Things You Should Know About Juvenile Law

If your son, daughter or adolescent loved one is accused of a crime, speak with an attorney before talking to the police. Even if you qualify for a court-appointed attorney, it is wise to discuss your case with a juvenile defense lawyer before deciding on your child’s best course of legal action.

When you schedule a free consultation with the Law Offices of Katie Walsh, there is no obligation to hire our team. When you hire Katie Walsh, she starts working on your case immediately to assure the best possible outcome for your child.

Remember, a juvenile court conviction is not considered “criminal,” so it should not be available to colleges and employers. However, you should still seal your child’s record to ensure that their future is not tarnished by poor adolescent decisions. For assistance with the record-sealing process, call (714) 351-0178 or request confidential help online.

Important Information About Your Child’s Juvenile Court Experience

  • Arraignment: A formal reading of the criminal complaint in court to inform the defendant (child accused) of the charges against them. An attorney will enter a “not guilty” plea. This is the same process in juvenile court if your child is not in custody.
  • Detention hearing: This is your child’s first court date if they are in custody. At the detention hearing, a juvenile judge or referee will make a determination about whether to detain or release your child, pending adjudication of the charges.
  • Pre-trials: A pre-trial occurs after an arraignment or detention hearing. The attorneys from both sides (prosecution and defense) discuss possible resolution to the case and determine whether there should be a discussion of outstanding information related to the case. This is called the “discovery process.” Often, pretrial discussions are held with the judge present.
  • Trial & adjudication: If a case cannot be resolved before trial, it will be adjudicated in juvenile court. In adult court, a trial can be held in front of a jury or a single judge. In juvenile court, since proceedings are confidential, the adjudication is conducted solely in front of a judge.

Contact The Law Offices of Katie Walsh About Your Child’s Juvenile Case

After your son or daughter is accused of a crime, the first call you make should be to a qualified juvenile defense lawyer. As a former prosecutor familiar with adult and juvenile justice personnel, Katie Walsh is committed to protecting your child and defending their freedom with compassion and skill.

Before hiring Ms. Walsh, you’ll have a chance to meet her during a free legal consultation. Get help now: call (714) 351-0178 or connect online using our secure contact form. Learn more about the Law Offices of Katie Walsh and her areas of criminal defense practice by clicking here.

Client Reviews

I hired attorney Katie Walsh to help my son when he was found with a large amount of drugs on school campus. She got us through the Expulsion Hearing, and miraculously he can go back to school at the winter semester...

AR- parent of minor client

I hired Katie Walsh to have my felony convictions expunged. She was able to expunge my record within 6 weeks of me giving her all the information. Even though technically I had a probation violation, and therefore the...

AR, criminal client

My 16 year old son was charged with possession of Marijuana, HS 11357(b). I was very concerned about what would happen to him and how this would affect his future. I contacted Ms. Walsh and she assured me that everything...

CT, parent of juvenile client

My child was charged with Felony Penal Code 597(a)- Animal Cruelty. After hiring Katie Walsh, she got the charges reduced to a misdemeanor, counseling, and 40 hours of chores at home. We come back in 6 months and the...

DH - Parent of Juvenile client

I hired Katie Walsh to represent my son on sexual abuse allegations- P.C. 288(a) and P.C. 288(b)- they were Strike Charges. After negotiating with the D.A., she got all the strike charges dismissed, and got my son...

DR- mother of juvenile client

Katie Walsh was fantastic throughout this entire process! My 13 year old son was charged with two counts of lewd act on a minor, PC 288(a) and was in juvenile hall. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she GOT MY SON OUT OF JAIL and...

EG, parent of juvenile client

My 14 year old son was arrested at school for P.C. 311 (child pornography). My son had innocent and stupid nude pictures of himself and friends on his phone. Ms. Walsh was extremely easy to talk to, and made my son feel...

GK,TK, parents of juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was a life saver when I didn't know what was going on, or how to handle the situation. My young daughter was attacked at her middle school and was seriously injured. At a time when both the school and the...

HA, mother of 13 year old Victim Rights client

I hired Katie Walsh to seal my juvenile record of PC 288(a) (lewd act on a minor), after my request had been denied by a Judge and by the Probation Department. After speaking with Probation, the DA and the Judge at a...

JW, former juvenile client

I was charged with a Felony Conspiracy charge- PC 182. After hiring Ms. Walsh she got my charged reduced to a misdemeanor right away, and now I just have to do community service and in 6 months my entire case will be...

KP, juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was like a breath of fresh air throughout this entire process. I was uncertain about the outcome, but she told me everything would be ok- and it was. She had my juvenile record sealed within 3 months of...

LR, former juvenile client

Ms. Walsh got the judge to terminate my son's probation and seal his 2 juvenile cases (Penal Code 288(a) and Penal Code 242) even though he had violated my probation by picking up a new case. By getting his record sealed...

MB- mother of juvenile client

At a very difficult time in my life I contacted attorney Katie Walsh. I am a teacher and was being harassed/stalked by a parent at my school. I wanted a Restraining Order against this person. Ms. Walsh listened to me...

MB, restraining order client

My son was charged with Lewd Conduct, P.C. 647 out of Downey, CA. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she spoke with the District Attorney, Probation, and the Judge. Even though the judge was not pleased with the offer, she was able...

MG, parent of minor

It is with sincere gratitude that I send this recommendation As a parent of a child that was arrested on a Felony Domestic Abuse charge and over 2000 miles away I had to rely on friend of a friends word that you would...

MPF, mother of criminal client

I really liked having Ms. Walsh as my attorney. She visited me in Juvenile Hall. I was charged with four counts of Robbery (Penal Code 211). This was my 8th juvenile petition. Ms. Walsh got 2 of the robbery charges...

MU, juvenile client

I was arrested for a felony Domestic charge, PC 273.5(a). After I hired Katie Walsh, my entire case was dismissed. I never had to appear in court. I felt very comfortable with Ms. Walsh- she was easy to speak with...

NF, criminal client

Katie was instrumental in helping me with a criminal matter as an advocate for me and my children when I was a named victim in a DV case. She patiently and expediently addressed all of my questions and was an invaluable...

RG

My daughter was pulled over arrested for having a Fake ID. After hiring Ms. Walsh my daughter did not have to plead guilty- which would have affected her license status. She did community service, completed a legal...

RS

My 14 year old daughter was involved in an assault and battery- PC 240/242, in Irvine. After hiring Katie Walsh the case was not referred to Court. My daughter was able to complete a class and the case will be dismissed...

SG, mother a juvenile client

My son was charged with possession of Child Pornography P.C. 311.11(a) - a charge I did not realize a child could be guilty of! As parents were beside ourselves when we found this out, and contacted Katie Walsh. She...

SH- mother of juvenile client

From San Diego I contacted Ms. Walsh about sealing my juvenile record in Orange County regarding a Petty Theft charge. She was always very responsive to any of my questions, and consistently kept me updated. Even though...

XL, juvenile client
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